How Our Inaugural Law Enforcement Lobby Event Turned Out
Exhausting but so worth it
Less than two months ago, a small group of us began collaborating on a lobby event to coincide with National Police Week. We had two goals:
Travel to D.C. to meet with members of Congress, urging them to support critical police bills;
Get the citizenry involved by asking them to call, write, or meet with their federal legislators.
Although we’re just a small group with limited resources, and time was of the essence, we were able to accomplish both goals. A lot of time and energy went into planning this event, but it was worth it.
First, I Want to Thank You
If you took the time to call, write, or meet with your federal lawmakers this past week, please know that your efforts did indeed make a difference. You deserve a round of applause!
I’m also deeply grateful to those of you who took the time to let me know you contacted your legislators. Your emails mean more than you know.
And to Our Amazing Lobby Team
Though we’d been meeting via Zoom for the past couple of months, this past week I had the pleasure to meet members of our group in person.
My fellow lobby companions and new friends are:
Bert Eyler
Bert is a retired law enforcement officer, U.S. Marine, and president of the Police Officers Defense Coalition. (PODC). Because he drives to D.C. twice weekly to lobby on Capitol Hill and knows his way around, we were able to navigate the Senate and House office buildings without a hitch.
Henry Morris
Henry is founder of Support Our Shields, and one of the most dedicated civilian police advocates I’ve ever met. Not only does Henry craft must-see, kick-butt videos. He travels to police departments around the country to provide officers with support and specialized plaques.
Roland Clee
Roland is a retired civilian police professional and fellow Substacker whose work I’ve been following for a couple years now. I’ve been so impressed by his insights that I reached out to invite him to our group. Check out his work at American Peace Officer.
Cori Houston
Cori is one of the most energetic, dedicated women I’ve had the pleasure to know. Aside from being a valued member of our coalition, she’s also involved in advocacy for human trafficking victims, is trying to save the Milwaukee Public Museum, and hosts a local radio show. Her husband is a retired Milwaukee Police Department detective. You can find Cori on X.
To my new friends, I look forward to seeing what we can accomplish together for law enforcement. : )
We Met With Key Federal Lawmakers
Most of the lawmakers we were scheduled with had us meet with their senior staffers. Although not the ideal, it was still appreciated, especially given that not all of the members of Congress we contacted agreed to a meeting. We were slotted to meet personally with Senator Chuck Grassley and Rep. Don Bacon, but they were called to vote at the last minute.
The Highlight of This Trip (In My Eyes): Meeting With Senator Ted Cruz in His Private Chambers
Despite his hectic schedule and position as one of the most powerful U.S. senators, Senator Cruz took the time to meet with us personally.
Though I’ve always admired the Senator’s intellect and pragmatism, this meeting elevated him in my eyes. He was gracious and genuinely receptive, listening intently to everything we had to say. No pretenses or fake platitudes. Just real concern for the men and women of law enforcement.
His staff was nothing but kind, attentive, and professional. In fact, there was an email waiting for me yesterday evening from his Judiciary counsel thanking us for the meeting!
We discussed the most pressing issues facing law enforcement, including how attempts to eradicate qualified immunity and rogue prosecutions of officers who use justified force in self-defense, is hammering police staffing and morale. I also asked (and included in a personalized letter) if he would co-sponsor a National Police Association-drafted bill designed to help stop these rogue prosecutions.
His responses show me that he understands the seriousness of the situation facing law enforcement. And as a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, he’s in a position to do something about it.
Senator Cruz is a true champion for law enforcement, and I would have traveled to D.C. solely for this meeting. It was that important.
A Somber Reminder of Why We All Need to Fight For Cops
On Friday I had a few hours to spare before my flight back home. Should I visit the Museum of the Bible? National Archives? National Law Enforcement Memorial and Museum?
If you’ve ever been to D.C., you know how much walking is involved, so I knew there was no way I’d be able to visit all these places in just a few hours.
After turning it over to God, I ended up walking over to the Memorial. Though I’d been there before, I’ve never seen it during National Police Week.
These pictures speak for themselves. (The first picture was taken in front of the Marriott Metro Center.)
This is Just the Beginning
We plan to make this an annual event, building upon what we learned from this past week. By next year, we hope to have a larger and even stronger network of supporters.
As recently as a few years ago, meeting with top lawmakers in their private chambers wasn’t something I would have predicted. I don’t have a law enforcement or legal background, am not a lobbyist, or a VIP.
I’m just someone who recognized that police officers needed a civilian voice, stuck with the issue year after year, devoured all I could about law enforcement, and networked with others who could help advance this cause.
You have the same capabilities!
Getting out of our comfort zone and being willing to make mistakes and risk rejection isn’t easy. It is, however, what leads us to the type of change we want to see.
Best. : )
For the Blue is a solutions-based initiative. I’m just an American patriot asking questions. I don’t work with any political party and I answer to nobody. For me, the health of the nation, due process (including for police officers), the rule of law, and respect for individual liberties, will always transcend party affiliation. I welcome your thoughts, even if you disagree; though personal attacks will be ignored. You can reach me at fortheblue@substack.com.
Paula and Roland! Well done! Perhaps an energetic, well-spoken sergeant could round out your crew next year to give an active duty front line position supporting police and honoring the Lord! I am grateful for your work and your passion for law enforcement…both of you wonderful people :)
Great article. I can't believe you got the Orlando Police Honor Guard vehicle.